ZOO from Pg 7
Health, independence and choice come to
life at the Garden House at St. Mary’s as a
secure assisted living community featuring:
Scott got a ham and cheese sandwich
from Erbert & Gerbert’s, and I had a deli-
cious chicken salad from Mix’d Greens.
Other food court options included things
like burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, piz-
za, ice cream, and cookies.
One of my absolute favorite parts of
the zoo was the butterfly garden, which
is open only during the summer. It was
extremely relaxing to be surrounded by
fluttering wings in an array of colors.
The butterflies seemed relaxed, too.
They floated around the enclosure, rest-
ing on flowers, green plants, and hang-
ing dishes of fresh citrus fruit. They’d
even stop on visitors’ hands on occasion.
When we left, a zoo employee made us
spin around, to check if there were any
“butterfly hitchhikers.”
Another unique part of the trip was
“Kangaroo Crossing,” open May 26
through Oct. 14.
Before letting us inside, a zoo worker
with an Australian accent pointed to some
phrases on a wall, and instructed us to say
one of them with an Australian accent.
I tried to say “lolly water,” and was
coached that the “a” should sound like a
“ooo” and the “er” should sound like “a.”
I think I eventually got it, sort of.
Luckily, the kangaroos didn’t seem to
care if we sounded like true Australians.
Mostly they were busy resting, since it
was about 90 degrees that afternoon.
When they want to, though, kangaroos
More ZOO on Pg 14
• Home cooked meals
• Private single & double suites
• Heated sidewalks to
prevent falls
• Whirlpool and spa room
• Secure outdoor garden
• All rooms equipped with
private bathrooms!
300 Fairlawn Ave W, Winsted
(320)485-3159 • www.gardenhouseatstmarys.org
This orange and white garden eel peeked
its head out from the sand in an aquarium.
It was one of my husband’s favorite animals
at the Minnesota Zoo.
PHOTO BY STARRLA CRAY
12
Senior
Connections September 2018
Senior Connections HJ.COM